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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Caldwell County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Caldwell County, MO. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by taxing district combination, typically 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value
1st Due
Dec 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Caldwell County, Missouri operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, roads, law enforcement, and county operations. Property taxes in Missouri are based on assessed value, which is typically a percentage of the property's fair market value. The effective tax rate in Caldwell County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, fire districts, and special road and bridge districts.

Property tax rates in Caldwell County are determined annually by the county auditor and various taxing authorities. The total tax rate you pay depends on which special taxing districts serve your specific property location. For example, properties may be subject to different school district levies, municipal taxes, or special assessments depending on their geographic location within the county. Tax bills are typically mailed in November, with taxes becoming an enforceable lien on property as of January 1st of each tax year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 assessed value)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county operations and services
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school district operations and debt service
Special Road & Bridge$0.1598Road maintenance and bridge improvements (2025 levy year)
MunicipalVaries by cityCity services (if within city limits)
Fire DistrictVaries by districtFire protection services
Library DistrictVaries by districtPublic library services

Note: The 2025 property tax rates for Caldwell County have not been finalized as of early 2026. Final rates will be determined by the county auditor closer to the tax year. The Special Road & Bridge rate of $0.1598 per $100 assessed value is confirmed for the 2025 levy year. Total effective rates typically range from approximately 0.8% to 1.3% of assessed value depending on your property's location and applicable special districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Caldwell County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Dec 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes in Caldwell County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment date (January 1st), a supplemental tax bill may be issued to account for the change in taxable value.

For example, if you purchase a home in Caldwell County in June and the assessed value differs from the previous assessment, or if you complete a home addition that increases the property's value, you may receive a supplemental tax bill. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. If a property's assessed value increases by $50,000 mid-year due to improvements, and the total tax rate is 1.0%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $250 ($50,000 x 1.0% x 6/12 months).

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: ~$57,000 (19% assessment ratio)
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$500
  • Net Taxable Value: $56,500
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $565
  • Monthly Escrow: $47

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: ~$114,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$750
  • Net Taxable Value: $113,250
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $1,133
  • Monthly Escrow: $94

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: ~$190,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified): -$1,100
  • Net Taxable Value: $188,900
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $1,889
  • Monthly Escrow: $157

Important: Tax credits shown require separate application through the Missouri Department of Revenue and are not automatically applied. Actual tax rates vary by special taxing districts. The Homestead Credit caps annual assessment increases and provides additional tax relief for qualifying homeowners who own and occupy their primary residence.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Caldwell County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. The lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. Since property tax bills are typically mailed in November and due by March 15th, lenders usually pay the taxes on your behalf in late February or early March to ensure timely payment.

Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to rate changes or reassessment, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes correctly by checking with the Caldwell County Collector's office, as homeowners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Caldwell County? A: Property taxes are due by March 15th each year. Tax bills are typically mailed in November for the current tax year.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Missouri offers several tax credits including the Homestead Credit (maximum $1,100 for homeowners, $750 for renters), Senior Citizens Credit, and Disabled Veterans Credit. These require separate application through the Missouri Department of Revenue and are NOT automatically applied to your tax bill.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual increases in your home's assessed value and provides additional tax relief. It does NOT reduce your home's market value but caps assessment growth. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence and file an application with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Q: When is the application deadline for tax credits? A: The deadline for property tax credit applications is typically December 16th each year. Check with the Missouri Department of Revenue for specific deadlines and forms.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Missouri law requires reassessment at least every two years. Caldwell County follows the state schedule for reassessment cycles.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Caldwell County Board of Equalization during the appeal period, typically in June. Contact the County Assessor's office for specific procedures and deadlines.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments are subject to penalties and interest charges. Properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Caldwell County Collector's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within the county? A: Different areas of Caldwell County are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (school districts, fire districts, municipalities), which results in varying total tax rates depending on your property's location.

Q: Who sets the property tax rates? A: The county auditor determines final tax rates based on budgets submitted by various taxing authorities including the county, school districts, and special districts within Caldwell County.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Tax Rates for County: Caldwellauditor.mo.gov
02
State
2025 Property Tax Rate Report - Missouri State Auditor's Officeauditor.mo.gov
03
Mapklic.dol.ks.gov
04
County
Caldwell County News - Farm Service Agencyfsa.usda.gov
05
Forms and Manuals - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Credit - Missouri Department of Revenuedor.mo.gov
07
BACKGROUND PAPERilga.gov
08
County
Caldwell County Financial Statementsauditor.mo.gov
09
State
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement Little Otter ...nrcs.usda.gov
10
Untitledsenate.mo.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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